Best of Oregon Photo Workshop & Photo Tour
2025 Travelers' Choice
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Best of Oregon: Mountains, Waterfalls & Wild Shores

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
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Best of Oregon: Mountains, Waterfalls & Wild Shores

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$1,495.00
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   Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End

Portland, OR / Medford, OR

Length

10 Days/9 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 7 Guests

Highlights
  • Crater Lake National Park & the Southern Cascades – Capture volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls during peak wildflower season.

  • Oregon Coast from Bandon to Brookings – Photograph sea stacks, arches, lighthouses, and dramatic cliffs along the most scenic stretch of the Pacific coast.

  • Smith Rock & High Desert Landscapes – Explore the striking rock formations and desert-meets-mountain terrain of Central Oregon’s high desert.

  • Redwood Forests – Walk among the tallest trees on Earth, where soft light and morning fog create otherworldly forest scenes.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

Oregon’s Greatest Hits—Captured in One Epic Photo Workshop

From alpine peaks to crashing waves, Oregon is one of the most visually diverse and photogenic states in the U.S.—and this all-inclusive summer workshop captures its greatest hits. We’ve designed this trip to showcase the very best the state has to offer: iconic waterfalls, towering volcanoes, wildflower-covered meadows, dramatic sea stacks, and ancient redwood forests. Timed for early summer, when days are long and conditions are prime, this workshop offers an unforgettable blend of photographic variety, expert guidance, and seamless logistics.

We begin in the lush Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood region, where basalt canyons overflow with waterfalls and alpine lakes reflect the snowcapped summit of Oregon’s highest peak. From there, we make our way into the high desert and volcanic terrain around Bend, home to jagged rock spires, lava flows, and classic long-exposure waterfalls hidden in the forest. Highlights here include a sunset shoot at Smith Rock State Park and time exploring scenic backroads and waterfalls in the Central Cascades.

The adventure continues with a visit to Crater Lake National Park—one of the most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes in North America. Born from a collapsed volcano and known for its surreal blue color and clarity, Crater Lake is a bucket-list destination for any landscape photographer and the only National Park in Oregon. We’ll photograph the lake from dramatic rim overlooks and, weather permitting, stay up late for night sky shots over the caldera.

Next, we head for the coast. From the sea cliffs of Bandon to the rugged arches and coves of the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, Oregon’s southern shoreline delivers nonstop drama—especially in early summer, when wildflowers bloom along the shores and the light stretches deep into the evening. Tidepool textures, glowing sunsets, and ocean-carved sea stacks offer endless composition options. To cap it all off, we’ll dip into redwood country, where fog-shrouded giants tower over lush, fern-covered forest floors. This is one of the few places in the world where you can shoot ocean sunrise and ancient forest light beams in the same day.

This workshop is crafted with care to balance action and rest. We’ve arranged a smooth travel flow and built-in processing time. You'll enjoy comfortable lodging, excellent meals, and hands-on instruction from professional photography guides who know the area intimately. And with a small group size, you’ll receive plenty of personalized support whether you’re refining advanced techniques or just starting your landscape photography journey.

This workshop has the potential to be the most productive trip of your life! Join us today.

Note: 

Participants should be prepared for a variety of trail conditions throughout the trip. Many locations involve short hikes—typically between 1–2 miles in length—but may include uneven terrain, muddy sections, exposed tree roots, and occasional steep descents, especially when accessing coastal areas or waterfalls.​​​​​​​

While none of the hikes are especially long or strenuous, some are on unmaintained or rugged paths with moderate elevation gain. You’ll need to be comfortable carrying your own camera gear over these distances. In the Columbia River Gorge and other regions, many of the best photographic locations—including waterfalls and coastal viewpoints—require short but active walks to access.

What's Included
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • All permits and park fees

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for service staff

What's Not Included
  • Transportation to Portland, OR and from Medford, OR

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

Details
  • Final Balance Due 120 days prior to Trip Start​​​​​​​ 
  • Trip Insurance Optional - but highly recommended​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arrival in Portland (D)
Arrive in Portland and settle into our hotel before gathering for a welcome dinner and trip orientation.

Days 2 & 3: Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood Region (B,L,D)
We’ll explore one of the most waterfall-rich and scenic river corridors in the country, capturing powerful cascades, forested trails, and dramatic canyon views. If conditions allow, we’ll photograph an alpine lake reflecting Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak and visit scenic overlooks that show off the Pacific Northwest’s lush beauty.

Days 4 & 5: Central Oregon – High Desert & Waterfalls (B,L,D)
We’ll head south into Oregon’s high desert, where the landscape opens up to wide vistas, lava rock formations, and dramatic ridgelines. Sunset may find us photographing towering rock spires. We’ll also spend a day exploring several forested waterfalls—moss-covered, photogenic, and tucked into beautiful canyons. The pace slows slightly here, with time for personal work, image review, and some rest.

Day 6: Sunrise Reflections & Crater Lake (B,L,D)
An early start brings us to a peaceful mountain lake for a sunrise shoot. Then we continue to Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s only national park—home to deep-blue waters, a collapsed volcanic caldera, and jaw-dropping views. We’ll photograph sunset from the rim and may stay out for night skies if conditions align.

Day 7: Journey to the Coast – Bandon (B,L,D)
From the Cascades we descend westward to the Pacific. Our destination is the famed sea stacks and sweeping beaches of Bandon. Sunset offers glowing light over ocean rock formations and tide pools. We’ll also have time to explore scenic lighthouses and coastal viewpoints along the way.

Days 8 & 9: Brookings & the Redwoods (B,L,D)
Farther down the coast, we’ll explore dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the most photogenic sections of Oregon’s shoreline. We’ll also photograph giant redwoods—misty, towering, and timeless. With two nights here, we’ll have flexibility to adapt to light and tide conditions for the best possible images.

Day 10: Departure from Medford (B)
After a final session in the redwoods, we’ll head inland to Medford for departures. You’ll leave with a varied and inspiring portfolio—and memories of Oregon’s wild, rugged beauty.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
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TRIPS
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.


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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.


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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!

HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve
made on the site – we guarantee it!

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025
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